Rocky View County is reminding residents that the County cannot respond to reports of encounters with cougars because this falls under the jurisdiction of Alberta Fish & Wildlife.

"It is important to document any interactions with cougars, whether these may be sightings, instances of predation on livestock or pets, kill sites, attacks or near attacks. Recording details of the encounter, location, time and if possible, taking photos, will aid Fish & Wildlife in appropriately responding to cougar encounters," the County encouraged residents.

In late November, there were reports of several cougar sightings in the Bragg Creek area. According to Bragg Creek Wild, a group that advocates for the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitats, the incidents occurred Southwest of Airdrie, in the Redwood Meadows area. The incidents were said to have occurred in the morning and evening.

"... Including three new pet incidents... The cougar’s home range is typically large (from 150 to 300 square kilometres), meaning that the whole of Bragg Creek and the area can encounter this cougar. Alberta Fish and Wildlife came twice to investigate the issue, but the cougar remained elusive," a social media post from the group stated.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife states that their Sustainable Resource Development's Fish and Wildlife Division never re-locates cougars as a means of controlling deer numbers in different areas of Alberta.

"A Fish and Wildlife officer can provide advice on preventing cougar encounters and responding when cougar encounters are unavoidable. Cougar attacks on humans are very rare. The majority of those that do occur happen with adults who are in cougar territory alone, or with children."

While true cougar sightings are rare, provincial officials have added that cougar sightings have been on the rise in the last decade due to a greater number of people living and recreating in traditional cougar habitats and a healthy population of prey animals that has led to the growth in the cougar population.

It is not clear if the County's reminder to residents comes after more sightings have been reported, however, Rocky View County officials underlined that there are several things residents can do, to minimize the risk of encountering a cougar.

"When you are outside and have spotted a cougar at a distance and it is not focused on you, do not provoke it. Gather everyone in close, especially children and pets. Prepare your bear spray or other self-defense tools and begin to slowly back away from the cougar, do not run."

Other tips include:

  • Ensure that pet food is not left outside and garbage is kept in containers with tight-fitting lids.
  • Clean spillage from bird feeders to avoid attracting sources of prey.
  • Do not feed other wildlife, including salt licks for deer, as this attracts prey animals and subsequently their predators.
  • Don’t shelter cougars by trimming shrubs and low-hanging tree branches and preventing access to spaces under decks and porches.
  • Have motion detector lights and bright lighting around your property.
  • Do not allow pets or young children to play unsupervised outside.
  • Carry bear spray or other self-defence items and be prepared to use them if a cougar gets within 40 meters, approximately one bus length, to you.
  • Keep children and pets close. Do not allow them outside unsupervised and never let them near forested areas around dusk and dawn.
  • Always keep your dog on a leash.
  • Watch for signs of cougar activity, including tracks, scat, scrape marks, and covered kills.
  • Travel in a group.

Cougars are the North American continent's largest wild cats, but they are weary of open areas and live mainly in wooded, rocky areas.

"Cougars can hunt at any time of day but tend to be most active during dusk, night, and dawn. When threatened, cougars will seek refuge in trees and will likely remain there until they sense the danger has passed. Cougars will only vocalize when mating, communicating with kittens or in instances where they feel threatened."

While there are no known reports of cougar sightings within Airdrie's city limits, in 2023, there were several wildlife encounters. Over the summer, one Airdrie resident caught a photo of what appeared to be one of the most elusive animals - the wolverine in Airdrie.

Cougar sightings can be made to your nearest Fish & Wildlife office or the 24-hour report a poacher line:

Calgary: 403-297-6423

Cochrane: 403-932-2388

Strathmore: 403-934-3422

Report a Poacher Line: 1-800-642-3800

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